World Cup Tip: Don’t Rent from Strangers
American tourist fell for a rental car scheme, depositing money in a stranger’s bank account to rent a car.
An American tourist in South Africa learned an important lesson: Only rent cars from reputable businesses.
Johan Nel was convicted of defrauding an American tourist wanting to rent a car for the World Cup. Police arrested Nel on June 12 after he tricked the American visitor into believing he owned a car rental company, according to the South African Web site, IOL.
A court sentenced Nel on June 15 to 18 months in jail. After meeting Nel, the American then deposited money into the bank account of Nel's wife in return for a vehicle. Nel failed to deliver the vehicle.
Nel had more than 10 previous convictions relating to fraud and theft.
Nel was tried and sentenced in one of the 56 courts dedicated specifically to crimes related to the World Cup.
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